Monday, April 2, 2012

2012 Mock Draft 5 Rounds

*Updated 4/3/12 (Round 5 Added)*

*Updated 4/3/12 (Round 5 Added)*

ROUND 1

1. Indianapolis Colts -- ANDREW LUCK [QB; STANFORD]

Team Needs -- QB, DE, WR, OLB, TE, NT, CB

No debate here. The best QB prospect since Peyton Manning/John Elway, he can make every throw and is a better athlete than he’s given credit for. He showed that athletic ability at the Combine where he matched Cam Newton in every category and had better numbers than Tim Tebow.

TRADE ALERT:The Redskins trade up to #2 and select ROBERT GRIFFIN III, Redskins give up pick #6 and #39 to the Rams in 2012 plus two future 1st Round picks.

2. Washington Redskins --ROBERT GRIFFIN III [QB; BAYLOR]

Team Needs -- QB, WR, NT, DE, OL, LB, CB, S

The Redskins give up a lot but they need to get a franchise QB to compete with the Giants/Eagles/Cowboys and that QB is Griffin. RG3 has everything you look for in a Franchise QB, a strong arm, accurate throwing the ball to all fields and great mobility. He’s not a running QB who just takes off if his first read is covered; he goes through his progressions and only runs when all other options are out the window.

Now that the Rams have traded out of #2 pick the debate begins with LT Matt Kalil vs. WR Blackmon vs. LSU CB Morris Claiborne but I think they give Ponder a true Elite Left Tackle to protect his blind side. Rumors have it that the Vikes really want to trade down and accumulate more picks; it just doesn’t make any sense with Kalil right here for the taking. Stay tuned.

At 6-foot-7, 295-pounds, Kalil is so good that his play at LT kept last year’s #9 overall pick, Tyron Smith, at RT while at USC. With Percy Harvin on the roster, LT is a bigger need. I expect a good WR to be available in the 2nd and CB’s in the third.

He’s the most complete prospect at RB since Adrian Peterson and can take all the pressure off Colt McCoy to move the chains. The question is do they see a franchise QB in Ryan Tannehill and pull the trigger here?

If the Browns do take QB Tannehill it comes down to RB Trent Richardson or CB Morris Claiborne…

I’ve had Richardson here for the past month but now he’s off the board.I don’t think the Bucs will pass on the elite RB if he’s available even though CB is a bigger need. CB Talib could be cut and R. Barber maybe has one year left the FA signing of Eric Wright doesn’t really change things as he’s a #2 corner at best. Claiborne is one of six elite prospects I see in this draft.

TRADE ALERT: Rams trade down from #2 and receive #6 and #39 from the Redskins in 2012 plus two future 1st Round picks.

6. St. Louis Rams -- JUSTIN BLACKMON [WR; OKLAHOMA STATE]

Team Needs -- LT, WR, CB, SLB, C, RB, FS

Blackmon compares to Dez Bryant without the knuckle head factor or a much better version of A. Boldin. They may have had Matt Kalil rated higher but the picks they obtained from the Redskins was enough to move down four spots. Rams need to give Bradford weapons and protection on the O-Line.

Melvin Ingram is now the top pass-rush specialist in the 2012 Draft, he and DE J. Clowney where two of the most feared sack artists in all college football. WR is the team’s biggest need but I can’t see GM Gene Smith going after WR Michael Floyd given his character concerns.A reach WR like Kendall Wright is not out of the question as the Jags have been known to surprise on draft day. I don’t think Reiff or Coples are in play here.

Someone is going to draft Tannehill in the Top 10 picks. I think it comes down to the Browns or the Dolphins with the latter pulling the trigger. The 6-foot-4, 222-pound Tannehill started his career as a WR and has only 20 starts at QB under his belt but has shown all the tools to be a 1st round pick following a foot injury. He does have a little Phillip Rivers to his delivery and you can see the prototypical size to become a good starting QB and the new Fins head coach was Tannehill’s QB coach at Texas AM.

Dontari Poe was the “winner” of the Combine. People are going as far as to compare him to Haloti Ngata and Poe’s Combine numbers say that’s correct. He was excellent in every aspect of the combine looking nimble in drills and the 40 yard dash while tipping the scales at 350lbs. His stock is very much on the rise and fits perfectly as the NT they need.

Well, DE is no longer a need area after the great signing of Mario Williams but the Bills still need WR weapons.

He ran much faster at the Combine than most expected (4.4, 40) and has always shown good hands and the ability to physically dominate smaller corners. Additional O-Line help is the other big need area.

He’s not a household name yet but he will be. He’s Stout Run stuffer with the most potential in this class at D-line. DT Dontari Poe outshined him at the Combine but Brockers has the better tape from the 2011 season.

The 6-foot-5, 280 lbs Coples is everything you look for out of a 4-3 DE and has an impressive combination of size and speed. He flashed his freakish ability at the Combine but what struck me was what NFL Analyst Greg Cosell had to say. Cosell mentioned Coples struggles at getting after the QB in 2011 and thinks his best position would be as the anchor at Left D-End in a 4-3 Defenseand that is the need area here.

The secondary is still the biggest problem (even with the addition of CB Carr) and CB’s Kirkpatrick, Jenkins and now S. Gilmore are vying to be the 2nd CB off the board. Both have had off the field issues but Kirkpatrick’s 1 pot arrest was wiped away while Jenkins has numerous arrest and other issues he has to explain. Slight edge here to Kirkpatrick.

The season ending injury to stud LT Jason Peters is a huge loss and changes the Eagles options in Round 1.Reiff may be best served as a right tackle given his below average arm length (which drops his draft stock). But this works perfectly for the Birds and the Left Handed QB Mike Vick. Reiff can play one season at left tackle in place of Peters and eventually move over to RT when Todd Herramans can no longer hold it down.

This seems too logical to not happen. Upshaw is exactly the type of player this defense needs coming off the edge as a 3-4 OLB. Upshaw can get after the QB and that’s what the Jets need.

Other areas of need are a new RT, pass-rushing OLB and WR/RB. Hearing rumors that Notre Dame WR Michael Floyd is very much in play for the Jets if Plax does not return.Alabama 3-4 outside linebacker Courtney Upshaw would be the ideal pick even though some see him as more of a 4-3 DE given his size.

The Bengals have been one of the best drafting teams after the last few years and have a great young core of players on both sides of the ball.With Leon Hall coming off season ending surgery, Nate Clements up there in age and Pacman and K. Jennings UFA's adding a CB is a high priority

The Chargers need to re-work their entire O-Line and can start with the best Guard prospect in the draft.He’s the rare interior O-Line prospect that is worth a top 20 pick and is actually a steal here.

Dave Ball and Jason Jones are both UFA's and more production is needed from the DE position from a pass rush standpoint. The Illinois pass-rusher has Jason Pierre Paul-type potential, I definitely think Mercilus could rise towards the top of the first round and be this draft's Aldon Smith. But we’ll leave him at 20 for now.

The interior O-Line needs to be addressed to help out CJ2K but no guards/centers present value here.

Cedric Benson is a free agent, they did sign The Law Firm away from the Pats but youth is needed.

Miller played through shoulder injuries for the Canes and still flashed his untapped potential. He is the #2 or 3 RB prospect in the draft; I think this pick could be the steal of the draft as Miller is next in line as a great Canes RB heading to the NFL. He looks a lot like Titans running back Chris Johnson with a little Shady McCoy thrown in for good measure.

The Browns keep this pick and use it to add an offensive weapon. Wright’s draft stock was on the decline after running poorly at the combine. Most were expecting a sub 4.4 forty and he ran a 4.61. His stock is now back up after running in the 4.4’s at his pro day. The thing is when you watch the tape he plays fast and that’s all that really matters.This would be a welcome addition for the Browns to pair with Greg Little and a new RB.

I’m predicting this is the year the Lions finally get their franchise Left Tackle to protect Stafford. The OSU Tackle was on the rise after a great Senior Bowl but fell back a bit after an average Combine so his draft stock is in limbo right now.I don’t think the Lions can afford to pass on Adams’s talent at pick 23. A Corner and outside linebacker are also needs for Detroit.

Most have a linebacker pegged for this pick or even a 3 or 5 technique D-Lineman. You have to believe their top priority is to keep Big Ben healthy so I’m giving them the top O-Lineman available who’s draft stock is really on the rise after an amazing Combine.Glenn is from a pro offense and can play LT/ OG or RT. Everyone’s ready to move him away from LT but his tape shows some signs that he can stay there with improved footwork.

The Broncos are still looking for that DT to bring pressure up the middle while their outside linebackers continue to create havoc. This is a great year to need a DT. Do they go need at DT or give Peyton Manning more weapons like GT WR Stephen Hill…I’m thinking DT…for now.

The 6-4, 220 Hill had a great Combine raising his stock from a possible 3rd round pick all the way to 1st round consideration. He's a great talent who just needs time to develop.GT keeps sending out WR prospects with tremendous upside, it’s just a shame GT still runs the triple option and these weapons are underutilized

Perry is the pass-rusher the Pats need and as the Giants can tell you; nothing covers up a suspect secondary like a great pass rush. The Patriots run both the 4-3 and 3-4 fronts and Perry fits as a DE or OLB.

The last time they had pick #27 they traded it to the Packers…they selected OLB Clay Matthews. Keep this pick Bill.

Birk is back but OG Grubbs took the money and ran. Konz fills a big need along the interior O-Line and was dominant throughout his college career on the big time Wisconsin O-Line which keeps turning out great prospects. Konz can take over for Grubbs and eventually take over at Center when Birk is done.

The 49ers really don’t have many needs given their solid overall roster and WR free agent signings.They could look to add a young 3-4 DE to play the 5-technique as the best player available. I don’t see a guard here worth the 30th pick as that may be their only real need area.

The Giants need a Middle Linebacker and after Luke Keuchly, Dont’a Hightower is the best available and good value for the Super Bowl Champs. Hightower may be a better fit for a 3-4 Defense but he’s talented enough to work in any scheme including the Giants 4-3 base Cover 2 Defense.

At 6-foot-2, 250 pounds, Hightower is a physical run stuffing linebacker who has the strength to shed blocks and attack the ball carrier.He was the leader and signal caller for the best college Defense and his overall presence improves the Giants already talented D.

A big time TE like Stanford’s Colby Fleener is possible with Jack Ballard and Travis Beckum both tearing their ACL's in the Super Bowl. O-Line is the biggest need area but no one presents value here unless one of the four top Left Tackles happens to fall or versatile O-Line prospect Cordy Glenn.

The tackle positions need an upgrade. Massie is best suited at RT but has a chance at LT. The Rams need to find CB’s and LB’s on defense as well as WR’s and O-Lineman for Bradford.

34. Indianapolis- COLBY FLEENER, TE, STANFORD

The Colts are in a complete rebuild and TE Dallas Clark will be gone. Fleener was Luck’s security blanket at Stanford is a better value than any receiver here and willl be a great blocking/catching TE for Luck.This is a great pick.

35. Minnesota-ALSHON JEFFREY [WR; SOUTH CAROLINA]

Jeffrey showed up at the Combine at 6’3” 216 lbs. There were rumors that he was up to 240lbs so we have that settled. At the Combine he elected to do nothing, no 40, no bench and no WR Drills.His draft stock is all over the place right now but we’ve seen 1st round ability. He ran great at his pro day and shed more weight, I can’t see a talent like this fall past the Vikings.He’s a potential #1 WR to go along with their new franchise Left Tackle.

The offensive overhaul continues, Wilson is a 1st round talent and Defenses will have to respect the outside running of Wilson and that will free up the receivers. His freakish athletic ability was on display at the combine, the only flaw to his game has been fumbling.

The 6’6” QB is one of the most intriguing prospects in the draft.He can make all the throws but needs to improve his mechanics. He decided not to participate at the Combine claiming he had a foot sprain from several months ago.

42. Miami-MARK BARRON [SS: ALABAMA]

Barron is a mid-first round talent but could fall due to team needs. He has not been able to work out since Hernia surgery but if everything checks out he could go as high as the Jets or Packers in round 1.

Thompson excels at stuffing the run.Eagles love to beef up the D-Line and this can free up their DE’s.

47. New York Jets-RUEBEN RANDLE, WR, LSU.

The Jets will need to upgrade their WR position no matter who is throwing the ball. The 6-foot-4, 208-pounder has the size/speed and hands you look for in a #1 WR prospect.The QB play at LSU was a train wreck so we haven’t seen what he can really do yet but all the tools are there.

48. New England–( f /Oakland)-KELECHI OSEMELE, OG/OT, IOWA ST.

Osemele was very solid during the season; he is the best player available and can be developed into a solid starter along the interior.

49. San Diego-RONNEL LEWIS, OLB, OKLAHOMA.

The Chargers need a player who can get to the QB. Lewis is a straight line pass rusher who can replace English.

50. Chicago-JAYRON HOSLEY, CB, VA TECH.

Hosley is a little undersized, but is still a big time playmaker. Va Tech has been turning out great corners and in the north; there is plenty of receivers who need to be covered.

51. Philadelphia - from Arizona- ZACH BROWN OLB N.C.

Brown has freakish athletic ability and is the best value here as a WILL linebacker.

Johnson (6’2, 200) has great tools and possesses a large frame. He is flying up draft boards. The Lions need secondary help and Johnson can play CB and SS.

55. Atlanta- CAM JOHNSON, DE, VIRGINIA.

Johnson has great size and speed and is the best player available. Depending on FA, O-line may be the biggest need. DE/CB and TE are all areas that should be addressed in the draft.

56. Pittsburgh-JARED CRICK, DE/DT, NEBRASKA.

A 1st round talent falls due to injury, great fit at the 5-technique.

57. Denver-NICK TOON, WR, WISCONSIN.

Denver will need more from their wide receiving corps.Toon is a great route runner and possession receiver.The son of former Jets WR Al Toon.

58-Houston- CHANDLER JONES, DE/OLB, SYRACUSE.

The loss of Super Mario means the pass rush must be addressed and Jones excels at getting after the QB.

New Orleans- Forfeit

59. Green Bay- HARRISON SMITH, SS, NOTRE DAME

Smith is the top talent available. He can be an explosive player with his combination of size and speed.

60. Baltimore- T.Y. HILTON, WR, FLA INTERNATIONAL

The Evans trade was a bust and he will probably be gone. Hilton is a speedster who displays great route and return skills.

61. San Francisco- BRANDON BOYKIN, CB, GEORGIA.

The Niners need some corner help; Boykin has the size and skillset to be a good one.

62. New England-BRUCE IRVIN, DE/OLB, WEST VIRGINIA.

Irvin has the size and speed necessary to get to the QB. Pats continue to stockpile pass-rushers.

63. New York Giants-DOUG MARTIN, RB, BOISE ST.

Martin has established himself as a true every down back. He is a good runner with developing blocking skills. He may be the BPA at this point and is great insurance if Jacobs gets cut.Similar to Ray Rice when he came out of Rutgers, also a 2nd round pick.

Colts are switching to the 3-4 and need some bodies that fit the new scheme.

65. St. Louis- ZEBRIE SANDERS, OT, FLA ST.

Sanders is the best value here. Zebrie Sanders played LT at Florida State this year, after 3 years at right tackle.The 6-foot-6, 307-pounder was an average LT and should be moved back to his natural RT spot. More protection for Bradford.

Jones (6’4, 210) is a big bodied receiver with untapped potential. The Browns will need to upgrade their WR’s to help RG3 .

68. Tampa Bay- SHEA MCCLELLIN, LB, BOISE ST

An upgrade at outside linebacker is needed.

69. Washington- MARVIN MCNUTT, WR, IOWA

McNutt has two things going for him: He's a polished route runner from a pro system, and won't drop balls. The Skins need a great possession receiver, with a large frame for whoever the new QB will be.

70. Jacksonville- BRIAN QUICK, WR - APPALACHIAN STATE

The Jags need a lot of help at WR.

71. Buffalo- GEORGE IOLKA, FS, BOISE ST.

Iolka has potential to be a stud FS. He has great size and speed but looked a little stiff in drills at the Combine.

Brewster is sliding. He has size and strength but lacks the technique to succeed at C. Still he's the best player available for the Lions. He can learn behind the aging Raoli or slide to guard.

86. Pittsburgh- ANDREW DATKO, OT, FLORIDA STATE

Datko was the starter at Left Tackle and projected to go much higher.But he missed the season due to injury and slides down team boards.Steelers need to continue to build the O-Line

87. Denver- BERNARD PIERCE, RB, TEMPLE

Pierce is establishing himself as a decent three down back. He has the size to take the NFL's abuse.

88. Philadelphia – (f/Houston)- KIRK COUSINS, QB, MICHIGAN STATE

Philly will take a QB at some point.

89. New Orleans-MARCUS FORSTON, DT, MIAMI

New Orleans D was poor to say the least. They lack the ability to get pressure up the middle.

90. Green Bay-LAMICHEAL JAMES, RB, OREGON

James is the best player available. He can make for a dangerous weapon and add another element in the Pack offense.

91. Baltimore- VONTAZE BURFICT [MLB; ARIZONA STATE]

Burfict needs to do some damage control after an awful Combine. His tape was great in 2010 but he took a step back in 2011. Burfict is blaming his college coaches for not using him properly, that won’t help his cause come draft day. The Ravens GM has taken on good players with character concerns in the past and the Ravens may be the best landing spot for the violent linebacker. Ray Lewis can teach him how to be a pro.

BeQuette is a very solid pass rusher. He showed great skills playing LB at the senior bowl, he will become a great rotational guy on an already stacked front seven.

93. New England- TOMMIE STREETER, WR MIAMI

The 6-foot-5, 215-pounder has deep speed with the size to beat smaller CB’s in man coverage. Streeter is a raw prospect with great upside and can just run go routes his 1st season to open up the field for all of Brady’s weapons.

94. New York Giants- BRANDON WASHINGTON, OG/OT - MIAMI (FLA.)

Washington is the best value here and a steal. McKenzie is a free agent, and even if resigned, the Giants could use depth at both Tackle spots and Left Guard.Similar to Orlando Franklin (The U) last year, a 2nd round pick by the Broncos who had a great rookie season.

Washington (6’4” 320lbs) played LT last year at Miami but his natural position is Left Guard. He has great athleticism and a nasty streak that will help out in the run game immediately. Just a perfect fit for the Giants.